Did you know that happiness can be a predictor of income?

Did you know that happiness can be a predictor of income?

Did you know that happiness can be a predictor of income?2012-11-272018-01-31http://thrivehappinessmovement.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/thrive-logo.pngThrive Happiness Movementhttp://thrivehappinessmovement.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/thrive-logo.png200px200px

“Focus on happiness and the money will come.”

Although many of us may be hesitant to believe the real value of the above statement, an American study has actually shown it to be true. The research found that “downcast teens earned 30 percent less than the average salary at age 29, whereas happy teens earned 10 percent above average.”

“Happiness is a good predictor of income,” even after factors such as gender, IQ, physical health and height are taken into account, said study researcher Andrew Oswald, a professor of economics at the University of Warwick in England.

Why high spirits may translate to bigger salaries is unknown, but happiness during the teen years may allow people to focus on the tasks at hand instead of dwelling on their feelings.

“If you’re happy, you have less worries and distractions and stress that probably divert you away from the things that are important for work and getting promotions,” Oswald said. “People who worry less can concentrate on being better employees.”

This is completely inaccurate. Happiness does not predict income. While, yes, people who are better off are happier than the poor, once they reach a certain threshold, richer people are not much happier. At times they can even be less happy. People seem to reach their peak happiness when they’re economically comfortable and the more income they get, the less happiness they gain.

Thanks for your comment! 🙂 I don’t think what the article is trying to say is that rich people are happier, in fact I don’t think it’s saying this at all. What it’s saying is that if you just live life, and be happy, the money is more likely to come. Not the other way around. Perhaps try reading the article again. The very first line sums it up quite well I think, “Focus on happiness and the money will come.” Don’t you agree? Thanks again for your comment and have a wonderful day 🙂

I like the sentiment this article is trying to convey, although I also think it’s a bit dangerous trying to draw a link between happiness and wealth. The research doesn’t really do the argument justice as I’d bet most teenagers with a bit of cash are happier than those without. As mentioned, I like the intent. Can I suggest another viewpoint is wealth is in fact not financial. A friend of mine is one of the richest people I know, with two beautiful daughters, a loving relationship with his wife and a close group of strong friends to support/share the good and bad times…..rich in so many aspects of his life. Financial considerations are secondary to the more important elements …now that’s happiness!!